Kentucky Derby-Winning Trainer Cherie DeVaux Explains Withdrawal of Golden Tempo from Preakness Stakes
By [Your Name], Senior Sports Correspondent
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — In a move that has sparked debate among horse racing enthusiasts, celebrated trainer Cherie DeVaux has opted not to enter her Kentucky Derby-winning colt, Golden Tempo, in the upcoming Preakness Stakes. The decision, announced just days after the horse’s stunning victory at Churchill Downs, underscores the delicate balance between ambition and equine welfare in the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing.
Speaking exclusively to Bloomberg’s The Close with hosts Katie Greifeld and David Papadopoulos, DeVaux cited the tight two-week turnaround between the Derby and the Preakness as the primary reason for her withdrawal. “The wellbeing of the horse always comes first,” she emphasized. “After such a demanding race, we felt Golden Tempo needed more recovery time to perform at his peak.”
The Road to the Derby and a Historic Win
Golden Tempo’s triumph at the 150th Kentucky Derby on May 4 was a crowning achievement for DeVaux, who has steadily risen through the ranks of thoroughbred training. The three-year-old bay colt, owned by a syndicate led by Starlight Racing, delivered a breathtaking late surge to clinch victory by a neck over the favorite, Eclipse’s Shadow. The win marked DeVaux’s first Derby title, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
Yet, even in the euphoria of victory, whispers about the Preakness loomed. The second leg of the Triple Crown, scheduled for May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, presents a grueling challenge for Derby winners, with just 14 days separating the two races. Historically, only a handful of Derby champions—most recently Justify (2018) and American Pharoah (2015)—have managed the double en route to Triple Crown glory.
The Science Behind the Decision
DeVaux’s choice reflects a growing trend in horse racing: prioritizing long-term health over short-term glory. Veterinary experts have long cautioned against the physical toll of back-to-back elite races, particularly for young horses still developing their stamina.
“The Derby is an intense, mile-and-a-quarter test,” explained Dr. Lauren Hughes, an equine physiologist at the University of Kentucky. “Horses expend enormous energy reserves, and their muscles, joints, and cardiovascular systems need adequate time to recuperate. Pushing them too soon increases injury risks.”
DeVaux echoed this sentiment, revealing that Golden Tempo’s post-Derby evaluations showed minor fatigue markers. “He’s in great shape, but we didn’t want to take unnecessary risks,” she said. “Our goal is to have him compete for years, not just weeks.”
Industry Reactions: Pragmatism vs. Tradition
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Purists argue that skipping the Preakness undermines the prestige of the Triple Crown, a century-old tradition testing a horse’s versatility and endurance. “This used to be unthinkable,” remarked Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens. “The Triple Crown races are the ultimate challenge. But times change.”
Conversely, modern trainers and owners increasingly favor a cautious approach. Bob Baffert, whose Medina Spirit was controversially disqualified from the 2021 Derby, recently withdrew his Preakness contender, citing similar concerns. “The sport has evolved,” Baffert told The Racing Post. “Horse longevity is now as valued as trophies.”
What’s Next for Golden Tempo?
DeVaux confirmed that Golden Tempo will instead target the Belmont Stakes on June 8, the final Triple Crown leg. The longer five-week recovery window aligns better with her team’s conditioning strategy. “Belmont’s mile-and-a-half distance suits his running style,” she noted. “We’re excited about his chances.”
The colt’s absence reshapes the Preakness field, leaving Eclipse’s Shadow and Arkansas Derby winner Thor’s Hammer as the new favorites. Meanwhile, DeVaux’s choice may influence future Derby winners, reinforcing a shift toward individualized race planning over rigid tradition.
A Broader Shift in Horse Racing
DeVaux’s decision arrives amid heightened scrutiny of equine safety in racing. Following a spate of high-profile fatalities—including at the 2019 Santa Anita Park—regulators and trainers have implemented stricter veterinary protocols and reduced race frequencies. The Jockey Club reports that starts per horse have declined by 30% since 2000, reflecting the industry’s cautious pivot.
“Fans may miss seeing Derby winners chase the Triple Crown,” said analyst Jim Miller of BloodHorse, “but the trade-off is healthier horses and longer careers. That’s a win for the sport.”
Conclusion: Balancing Legacy and Welfare
As Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo bypass the Preakness, the debate over racing’s future continues. For some, the absence of a Derby champion in Baltimore diminishes the event’s allure. For others, it represents progress—a recognition that greatness isn’t just measured in trophies, but in the care and respect shown to the athletes who make the sport possible.
Only time will tell if Golden Tempo’s Belmont bid vindicates DeVaux’s strategy. But one thing is certain: in today’s racing landscape, patience may be the ultimate competitive edge.
